AMD has developed the first 64 bit processor intended for consumer PCs. Intel also has a 64 bit CPU, the Itanium, but that one is only used on servers.

The CPU will be allowing 32 bit applications to run on a 64 bit operating system which makes sure existing software will continue to work.

The long-awaited launch of Advanced Micro Devices' Athlon64 processor is less than a week away, and it's only a matter of time before rival Intel duplicates AMD's approach, the company has said.
Well, at least AMD is very confident. I for sure will wait to see the development of this ...